Abstract

Introduction

The use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) for temporary abdominal closure
of open abdomen (OA) wounds is widely accepted. Published outcomes vary according
to the specific nature and the aetiology that resulted in an OA. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new NPWT system specifically used OA resulting
from abdominal trauma.

Methods

A prospective study on trauma patients requiring temporary abdominal closure (TAC)
with grade 1or 2 OA was carried out. All patients were treated with NPWT (RENASYS
AB Smith & Nephew) to achieve TAC. The primary outcome measure was time taken to achieve
fascial closure and secondary outcomes were complications and mortality.

Results

A total of 20 patients were included. Thirteen patients (65%) achieved fascial closure
following a median treatment period of 3 days. Four patients (20%) died of causes
unrelated to NPWT. Complications included fistula formation in one patient (5%) with
spontaneous resolution during NPWT), bowel necrosis in a single patient (5%) and three
cases of infection (15%). No fistulae were present at the end of NPWT.

Conclusion

This new NPWT kit is safe and effective and results in a high rate of fascial closure
and low complication rates in the severely injured trauma patient.